Tannery + home of Edmund Evarts located on Wheelmeadow Brook (image based upon For Sale ad shown below) |
Edmund Evarts was a Tanner in Longmeadow, MA in the early 1800’s. His tannery was strategically situated along the Wheelmeadow Brook near the street now named Longmeadow Street. See the 1831 map below. Mr. Evarts’ house was located next to the Tannery.
1831 Map Section of Longmeadow |
This tannery played a significant role in the local economy, because leather was the product of tanneries and leather was a very useful product. It was commonly used for clothing, footwear, horse saddles and other horse equipment including bridles, reins and harnesses. Some other uses of leather included military equipment, furniture upholstery and bookbinding. The durability and flexibility of leather made it indispensable in daily life.
At the Tannery animal hides were transformed into leather through a multi-step process. The Tannery itself would be a sturdy structure including housing vats for soaking hides, equipment for tanning, and tools for workers. The animal hides were first cleaned and de-haired before being tanned using substances like tree bark extracts or salts. The tanned leather was cured, typically by drying it in sheds or on frames. Finishing touches, such as shaving imperfections, dyeing, and treating with oils were then applied. Tanning was a smelly process.
Note: Longmeadow residents Edmund Evarts and Gaius Bliss were both tanners in Longmeadow in 1820.
Hampden Patriot Date: June 14, 1820 |
Joseph Evarts joined his father in the tanning business. In 1845 the Hampden Co. Agricultural Society listed their members and their specialities. Joseph Evarts of Longmeadow was included.
Date: Sept. 18, 1845 |
In April of 1849 Edmund Evarts passed away at the age of 77 years. Before he died the Tannery was for sale. His son Joseph had placed an ad in the local newspaper selling the Tannery, the “dwelling house”, the barn and the property including 12 acres of land. In addition to advertising selling this property another property was for sale. It was another “dwelling house” and 11 acres of land- Joseph Evarts property.
"The Daily Republican" Date: May 18, 1845 |
These sales marked the end of an era for the Evarts family’s tanning business in Longmeadow, MA.
Joseph Evarts, his wife Clarinda Cooley Evarts, daughter Sarah and two sons John Cooley and Edmund traveled to New York and then relocated to Michigan. Joseph’s unmarried sister Mary Evarts went with them. His two sons died fighting for the Union during the Civil War. Sgt. Edmund Evarts is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The other members of the Evarts family who had lived in Longmeadow, MA are buried in the Longmeadow Cemetery in Longmeadow.
As time moved on this location had other uses. While the date is estimated we understand that there was a fire at this location.
Date: Nov. 2, 1915 Springfield Republican |
Springfield Republican Date: Nov. 2, 1915 |
Additional Sources: Longmeadow Historian's Evarts, Bliss, Booth and Colton Family Trees.
~Written by Judy Moran
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